The selflessness of a mother

My friend and I were talking the other day about maternity leave and it made me realise how much we give up as mothers. For years and years women have sacrificed their careers, their sanity and their social calendars when they decide to have a baby. That really winds me up. Naturally it is expected for the mother to give everything up as they are the one that carried the child and will nurture it as it is ‘in our instincts’. They then try to go back to their jobs after their maternity had ended and they are at a disadvantage. They can’t go for a higher role because they have to schedule work around childcare. They can’t go for a higher role as they’ve had some days off to care for their sick child. They can’t go for a higher role because they want more children in the future. How is this fair?

Our whole lives grind to a halt because we want to look after our children. Don’t get me wrong, it is the best job in the whole entire world, but it does have its caveats. I sometimes feel jealous that Matt gets to go to work during the day and have some peace and quiet, do things at his own leisure without feeling on edge that Ivy will need something or will start crying. Then he gets to come home and play with her for a few hours before bed, having those precious calm moments with her. I long for some quiet moments, but then I feel guilty when I take them, as if it’s my innate responsibility to always be there physically for her, no matter what my head space is. I didn’t realise the sacrifices Mums made until I became one myself. It’s hard and it is really unfair.

Jess x